Neil Caudle has waited three years for this opportunity. And he's been more patient than many former high school Elite 11 quarterbacks would be.

After attempting just eight passes over the past two seasons, the Auburn junior finds himself in the middle of a serious battle for the starting quarterback position this spring as he splits first-team reps with returning starter Kodi Burns.

"I'm trying to take advantage of it - trying to do anything I can to earn the job, but yeah, I think it's a great opportunity for me," Caudle said.

Even when a succession of quarterback coaches -- Gus Malzahn is his fourth at AU -- relegated Caudle to scout team duties or as a holder on special teams, he's remained positive, always declining to say anything negative.

But he admits to a feeling of frustration, especially last season as AU's offense struggled to move the football.